WE LL TAKE YOU THERE! ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND

Transcription

1 NOTES: WE LL TAKE YOU THERE... AND BEYOND! WE LL TAKE YOU THERE! ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND O R Free WiFi BSÍ Bus Terminal 101 Reykjavík main@re.is Company profile

2 Iceland THIS ROUTE MAP REPRESENTS MANY OF THE DIRECT FLIGTHS TO ICELAND, OTHER SEASONAL DESTINATIONS MAY BE MISSING FROM THE MAP. Ísafjarðardjúp Hornbjarg Grímsey Melrakkaslétta Raufarhöfn Þistilfjörður Ilulissat Scoresbysund Kópasker Látrabjarg Suðureyri Önundarfjörður Flateyri Arnarfjörður Þingeyri Bíldudalur Tálknafjörður Patreksfjörður Breiðafjörður Hellissandur Rif Ólafsvík Snæfellsnes Lambadalsfjall Flatey Stykkishólmur Bolungarvík Ísafjörður Gláma Súðavík Grundarfjörður Reykhólar Eiríksjökull Drangajökull Gilsfjörður Skeggöxl Hólmavík Hvammsfjörður Búðardalur Norðurá Húnaflói Drangsnes Blönduós Hvammstangi Laugarbakki Arnarvatnsheiði Skagaströnd Sauðárkrókur Skagafjörður Varmahlíð Blanda Kjölur Siglufjörður Ólafsfjörður Eyjafjörður Dalvík Hrísey Árskógssandur Grenivík Hofsós Hauganes Svalbarðseyri Hofsjökull Akureyri Sprengisandur Húsavík Skjálfandi Öxarfjörður Krafla Mývatn Reykjahlíð Ódáðahraun Askja Kverkfjöll Dettifoss Jökulsá á Fjöllum Snæfell Þórshöfn Vopnafjörður Bakkafjörður Vopnafjörður Egilsstaðir Neskaupstaður Hallormsstaður Eskifjörður Reyðarfjörður Fáskrúðsfjörður Djúpivogur Borgarfjörður Seyðisfjörður Reyðarfjörður Gerpir Stöðvarfjörður Breiðdalsvík Anchorage Vancouver Seattle Portland Edmonton Denver Montreal Minneapolis Toronto Boston Chicago New York Washington DC Baltimore Orlando Halifax Nuuk Narsarsuaq Kulusuk Reykjavik Tenerife Trondheim Torshavn Bergen Helsinki Oslo Stockholm Stavanger Gothenburg Aberdeen Edinburgh Glasgow Billund Copenhagen Vilnius Belfast Manchester Dublin Hamburg Birmingham Amsterdam Berlin Bristol London Dusseldorf Warsaw Brussels Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Paris Munich Basel Vienna Geneva Zürich Lyon Salzburg Milan Rome Madrid Barcelona Alicante Faxaflói Seltjarnarnes Álftanes Garður Sandgerði Keflavík Njarðvík Vogar Hafnir Grindavík Borgarnes Akranes Reykjavík Laugarvatn Mosfellsbær Þingvellir Kópavogur Garðabær Hafnarfjörður Hveragerði Þorlákshöfn Laugarás Selfoss Eyrarbakki Stokkseyri Þykkvibær Langjökull Geysir Flúðir Hella Gullfoss Hekla Þjórsá Mýrdalsjökull Hvolsvöllur Þórsmörk Eyjafjallajökull Þórisvatn Landmannalaugar Laki Kirkjubæjarklaustur Bárðarbunga Vatnajökull Öræfajökull Jökulsárlón Skaftafell Hvannadalshnjúkur Ingólfshöfði Höfn TEMPERATURES IN ICELAND IN CELSIUS (CENTIGRADE): Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Reykjavík Average -0,2 1,1 3,9 5,2 7,3 10,5 11,5 12,6 9 4,3 2,2-0,2 Reykjavík High 8 9, ,3 17,2 20,3 18,4 24,8 14,3 13, Reykjavík Low -10,6-12,4-4,9-2,7-1 3,4 6,5 5,6 1-4,6-15,1-11,5 SUNRISE AND SUNSET: REYKJAVÍK Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Sunrise 11:19 9:55 8:21 6:42 4:39 3:15 3:07 4:50 6:16 7:36 9:24 10:51 Sunset 15:44 17:29 18:59 20:22 21:12 23:39 23:55 22:15 20:37 18:57 16:58 15:44 Vestmannaeyjar Surtsey Vík Dyrhólaey AVERAGE PRECIPITATION IN MM Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Reykjavík WE LL TAKE YOU THERE! ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND reykjavikexcursions reykjavikexcursions #reyex rvkexcursions rvkexcursions EXAMPLES OF VARIOUS FLYING TIMES TO ICELAND City Hours Amsterdam 3,15 Barcelona 4,10 Copenhagen 3,20 Frankfurt 3,45 Glasgow 2,10 City New York Minneapolis Boston Seattle Orlando Hours 5, ,20 7,10 London 3 Halifax 4 Paris Stockholm 3,25 2,55 Anchorage Denver 7 7,5

3 About us Reykjavik Excursions-Kynnisferðir was founded in 1968 and has over the last four decades grown into the one of the largest tour operators in Iceland, offering a range of excellent tours and services for individuals and groups. Our staff is comprised of energetic, outgoing, well-educated and experienced professionals, who are as easygoing and flexible as they are dependable. We operate one of the largest coach fleets in Iceland with vehicles of all shapes and sizes, which can take you, our valued clients, to all the most beautiful spots in our country, however remote. All our coaches are equipped with free Wi-Fi. Reykjavik Excursions is a fully licensed tour operator and travel agent. Moreover we are extremely proud to be the first Icelandic tour operator to be granted the ISO certification for environmental management from the British Standard Institute (BSI). The company has certifications from Vakinn, both for their quality system as well as for their environmental system. Vakinn is Iceland tourism s official quality and environmental system and its aim is to strengthen both quality and safety in tourism by means of guidance and support, as well as developing a sense of social responsibility. The company is as well on its way in implementing OHSAS Occupational Health and Safety System. We are also Iceland s only company with a membership in the Global Passenger Network, an international association founded to promote the highest standards in coach operations worldwide. Reykjavik Excursions has operated the main bus service between Iceland s capital Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport Flybus since With regular scheduled bus services coordinated with each departing and arriving flight, we are committed to providing the best possible connections for visitors to our beautiful country. Our day tours allow you to experience many of the most stunning and exotic places in Iceland. Should you have special wishes, our dedicated team of planning experts are there to listen to your needs and tailor-make tours to fit your requirements. The same goes for incentive tours, for which we have established a whole separate division, Reykjavik Incentives, to provide the best possible service. Should you want added flexibility and freedom, our Iceland On Your Own program might be just the thing for you or, alternatively, you may want to hire one of our coaches or mini-buses, with a driver, to take you where you want to go. Back in Reykjavík, our Hop On - Hop Off double-decker buses are very popular and allow you to take in the city s main sights easily and comfortably. We look forward to serving you at one of our two sales offices at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík or at Keflavík International Airport. You can also feel free to contact us through our website, Happy touring!

4 WELCOME TO ICELAND Welcome to Iceland We warmly welcome you to our wonderful country of the midnight sun and northern lights, erupting geysers and cascading waterfalls, rugged mountains and stunning vistas, otherworldly landscapes and magical myths... and so much, much more. Population Iceland has a population of some 329,000 people. The area of the country is 103,000 km 2, so that s about three people to every square kilometre. Two-thirds of the population live in the capital Reykjavík, while the remainder is scattered mainly around the coastal regions. A century ago, around 3% of Icelanders lived in urban areas. Today the trend has been completely reversed, with around 3% of Icelanders living in rural areas. Language Icelanders speak Icelandic, an Indo-European language belonging to the Germanic or Nordic branch of languages. Icelandic has remained relatively unchanged since the settlement of the country in 874 AD, making it fairly grammatically complex and accounting for some of the special Icelandic characters, like þ (a voiced th sound), ð (a softer th sound), and æ (pronounced like I ). If you find the idea of trying to speak Icelandic daunting, don t worry: almost everyone in Iceland speaks English, and most Icelanders also learn one or more languages, most commonly the Nordic languages, German, French or Spanish. Icelandic names Icelanders still use patronyms and increasingly matronyms instead of surnames. This means that an Icelander will usually take his or her father s (and sometimes mother s) first name and add son or dóttir. Thus a brother and sister whose father s name is Jón would be Jónsson and Jónsdóttir, respectively. To add to the confusion, women do not change their names when they marry, so within a family of, say, a mother, father, son and daughter, the family members will all have different last names. However, this does not worry the Icelanders since they always go by their first names, anyway. That is why, for instance, you will find the Icelanders listed by their first names in the telephone directory, and why children call their elders, including teachers, friends parents and even the president, by their first names.

5 The Seasons Spring Spring in Iceland is a time of rejoicing. After a dark winter, Icelanders embrace the lengthening of the days. As the trees bud, flowers bloom, the light grows more brilliant by the day and migrating birds return to build their nests, it is almost impossible not to be in a happy mood. Summer This is the season of the midnight sun, when the light is most exquisite and Icelandic nature shows off its magical beauty. For a few weeks around the summer solstice on June 21 the sun never sets, merely dips below the horizon, casting a subdued and enchanted light across the land. Icelanders kick into high gear in the summer, activities and festivals abound, and the night is always young. Autumn This is the season of the fading light and the beautiful sunsets. It is also when the countryside is covered with wild crowberries and blueberries and Icelanders take to the hills to fill containers and bellies, returning with happy smiles and blue around the mouth. This is also when the autumn round-up takes place, as farmers head out on horseback to collect their sheep and lambs from their summer pastures out in the wilderness. They are herded back to corrals where the sheep are sorted according to their respective owners and festivity abounds, with everyone invited to take part. Autumn is also the season of festivals, when the Iceland Airwaves music festival, the Reykjavík Jazz Festival, Reykjavík Literature Festival, Reykjavík International Film Festival draw visitors from all over the world for cultural enjoyment and general fun. Winter If you think winter in Iceland consists of one long stretch of darkness with a bit of snow thrown in think again! Certainly parts of Iceland get only about 3-4 hours of full daylight around the winter solstice on December but the hours before and after that daylight are often filled with the most exquisite kind of light you can imagine, as sunrise and sunset each last for several hours. Of course winter is also the time of the wondrous Northern Lights, one of the most spectacular sights known to man. And the advent to Christmas in December is a chapter onto itself, as Icelanders throw themselves into the holiday season with fervour. On New Year s Eve the mother of all parties takes place, as fireworks are sold unrestricted to the general public and fired off at midnight.

6 Day Tours At Reykjavik Excursions we are proud to offer an extensive range of day tours to many of Iceland s most beautiful places, as well as tours of our lovely capital city, Reykjavík. Our day tours are packed with diverse experiences for you to enjoy. Just about any activity associated with our wonderful country is offered by our tours. A number of our most popular excursions have been augmented with extra activities, giving our clients the chance to pack the greatest possible adventure into their day. For example, our vastly popular Golden Circle tour may be taken as-is, or in conjunction with a snowmobiling adventure atop one of our glaciers, a visit to a steam bath built over a natural hot spring, a horse riding excursion, or snorkeling in Silfra, the crystal-clear ravine that marks the boundary between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. All of our tours are guided in English, and many also in German, French, Spanish and the Scandinavian languages. Our professional guides are all specially trained and certified, and bring their expertise, knowledge and unique character into the mix. In addition, a few of our tours are offered with audio guidance. Whether you want to experience the magnificent Northern Lights, see the incredible Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, experience the otherworldly colour palette of Landmannalaugar in Iceland s interior, visit a hothouse (greenhouse) to learn about the role of geothermal heat in growing vegetables, come with us to the amazing Blue Lagoon, or any number of other amazing activities, we have the tour for you.

7 Patreksfjörður Látrabjarg Ólafsvík Ferry Ísafjörður Airport Brjánslækur Stykkishólmur Airport Reykhólar Króksfjarðarnes Borgarnes Búðardalur Drangsnes Hólmavík Staðarskáli Skagaströnd Svartá Varmahlíð a Hveravellir Siglufjörður Ólafsfjörður 17 17a Grímsey Nýidalur Kerlingarfjöll Hvítárnes crossroads Gullfoss 6 6a 14 14a Þingvellir Geysir Laugarvatn Flúðir Laki Landmannalaugar a Eldgjá 10 10a 18 Hvanngil Hella Emstrur Hvolsvöllur 9 9a Markarfljót Þórsmörk 20 20a Seljalandsfoss Skógar Vestmannaeyjar Ferry 21 21a Vík Surtsey Ferry Drangajökull Goðafoss Airport Aldeyjarfoss Kirkjubæjarklaustur Kópasker Húsavík Ásbyrgi a Hljóðaklettar (Vesturdalur) Dettifoss a a Krafla Skaftafell Reykjahlíð Raufarhöfn Jökulsárlón Þórshöfn Airport Höfn Borgarfjörður eystri Seyðisfjörður Airport Egilsstaðir Ferry Neskaupstaður Reyðarfjörður 62 62a Iceland on Your Own Our scheduled bus network offers travellers increased flexibility and freedom when exploring Iceland. Available to individuals and groups alike, the Iceland On Your Own scheduled bus services run across most of Iceland, including the Icelandic highlands. Passengers can hop on our scheduled buses on each stop along its route anywhere in the country. This offers those who, for example, have rented a car but want to venture further into the Icelandic highlands an excellent choice of travel as most of the interior routes are only accessible by special vehicles. We also offer bus passports which are pre-determined combinations of routes. The passports allow exploration at one s own leisure. Two types of passports are available: Firstly, passports that are valid for a fixed amount of time and pose no restrictions on how often the passenger makes use of our services within that time frame. Secondly, passports that allow the passenger to travel along a fixed circle, choosing to travel either clockwise or anti-clockwise, in one direction, whereby each leg of a route is only accessible once but the time frame is very flexible. Our bus passports include the popular Ring Road Passport, the Highland Passport, the Beautiful South Passport, and the Combo Passport. The perfect way to explore Iceland for those who want to enjoy the freedom to adhere to their own schedule. Iceland On Your Own s flexible nature makes it a perfect option for hikers. The Hiking On Your Own passports guarantee bus transfers for those who intend to walk the ever popular Laugavegur from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk (or vice versa) and the Fimmvörðuháls hike between Skógar and Þórsmörk. The two trails can even be combined for the same price. Whatever your needs or preference, we at Reykjavik Excursions have got you covered. Snæfellsjökull Mýrdalsjökull Reykjavík BSÍ Hveragerði Keflavík Blue Lagoon Selfoss Langjökull Akureyri SBA Hofsjökull Dimmuborgir Skútustaðir Mývatn Vatnajökull

8 Flybus Reykjavik Excursions has operated the Flybus, the main bus service between Iceland s capital Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport, since The Flybus, known for its efficient and reliable connections, is coordinated with all arriving and departing flights, around the clock, holidays included. The Flybus departs from Reykjavík s main bus terminal, BSÍ. In addition, we offer pick up or drop off at most hotels and guesthouses at specific times during the day, at an extra cost. Hop On Hop Off Reykjavik Excursions operates the Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing service on a daily basis all year round. Our colourful double-decker buses, and our minibuses, are perfect for getting to know Reykjavík and its main sights, history and culture. There are more than ten separate stops around the city centre where you can hop on and off at your leisure. The buses are equipped with an audio guidance system, offering guidance in eight different languages: English, French, German, Icelandic, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Swedish. The service is operated daily all year and departs from Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Each ticket is valid for 24 hours. For a more detailed schedule and information please visit our website, In addition to the regular Flybus, Reykjavik Excursions offers passengers to or from the airport the option of stopping at the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon, a deliciously warm pool of powder-blue water rich in minerals and renowned for its healing properties, is one of Iceland s best-known attractions. As it is located close to Keflavík International Airport, many passengers opt to visit the Blue Lagoon either on arrival or departure from the country.

9 Groups At Reykjavik Excursions we pride ourselves on meeting our clients needs. Our team of experienced planning professionals is able, ready, willing and waiting to tailor your Iceland itinerary to your specific requirements. Whether you are a group of three or 300 people (or even more), we can make your dream holiday come true. Throwing a stag party for a friend? Escorting a group of venerable seniors on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Bringing over a group of teenagers for an educational field trip combined with a rocking great time? If you dream of waterfalls or glaciers we can show you both. If you want to look at a tranquil lake we can take you there. If you want some action we ll give you action! We cannot promise your group good weather only weather of all kinds. Get in touch and tell us what you would like to experience in Iceland and we ll come back with suggestions and ideas for your perfect excursions and experiences.

10 Incentive Tours For incentive tours or events, Iceland is a destination like no other. Its myriad of exotic locations, combined with a wealth of possibilities for exciting outdoor activities, puts it in a class of its own. Many of the most exciting attractions or activities the country has to offer are within easy distance from the capital Reykjavík, which cuts down on travel and allows you to make the most of your time. It goes without saying that we have the most modern technology and equipment at our disposal and adhere to the most stringent safety standards, so you can relax and feel confident that your staff or clients are well taken care of. Our Reykjavik Incentives experts are completely plugged into the incentive scene and will work closely with your company to set up the perfect itinerary for your tour. Whether your objective is entertainment, motivation, team building, or pure pleasure, our team will carefully and creatively craft each program and itinerary to your specifications.

11 Enterprise Rent A Car Enterprise Rent A Car, one of the largest car rental companies in the world, joined forces with Reykjavik Excursions in The partnership was formed because of their shared belief of customer care, value and outstanding service in the ever expanding Icelandic travel network. For over 45 years, Reykjavik Excursions has proudly served travellers keen on exploring Iceland. We offer our customers a chance to explore Iceland safely and economically on their own terms. Iceland has a reputation of being an exciting alternative destination for travellers looking for a different experience. Renting an Enterprise car allows visitors to explore our beautiful country at their own pace. Our office is located at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík. Meet & greet service available at Keflavík International Airport. Why choose Enterprise? Only the newest car models in all categories. Competitive prices. Unlimited mileage. Free hotel pick up within Reykavík city limits. 2 Flybus+ return tickets included with every rental. 24/7 breakdown service. Our rental offices are located at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík and at the Keflavík International Airport. Coach Rental Have your own specific ideas about tours and want to do the planning yourself, but need a set of wheels? For you we offer the option of hiring a coach with a driver to transport you from place to place. Icelandic roads, especially in the interior and highlands, require a special set of skills and expertise best entrusted to those familiar with such conditions. Driving on gravel roads is more dangerous than one might think, and traversing rugged tracks or fording rivers in the outback demands a proficiency that only experience can provide. Our professional drivers have earned their expertise through years of practice, and will get you to and from your destination while you sit back, relax and enjoy. At Reykjavik Excursions we are proud to operate one of the largest fleets of coaches in Iceland, all conforming to the highest safety standards and regulations. We have around 70 vehicles of varying shapes and sizes, including 4x4 buses, able to transport from eight and up to 73 people. All are spacious, comfortable, and equipped with safety belts for all passengers.

12 WE LL TAKE YOU THERE! ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND

13 Practical information Flybus/Flybus+ Scheduled Flybus departures from BSÍ Bus Terminal. Flybus+ service available from selected hotels and guesthouses. Please be ready in time for your pick up in front of your hotel or guesthouse. Reykjavik Excursions (RE) acknowledges that traveling bags are designed to protect their contents. In the course of normal handling, your baggage may show evidence of wear and tear. RE takes neither responsibility for minor cuts, scratches and dents nor for items that protrude from traveling bags, such as retractable handles, wheels, straps and luggage carts. Pick up and drop off service for RE day tours Pick up for day tours is operated by several smaller coaches throughout the city centre up to 30 minutes before departure. Please be ready in time for your pick up in front of your hotel or guesthouse. Main departure point for RE day tours is from BSÍ Bus Terminal. Drop off starts after indicated arrival time. Please note that drop off locations may not be directly in front of your hotel or guesthouse dictated by actual conditions (e.g. narrow streets, coach size, roadworks, etc.). Return times Please note that indicated return times refer to guided tours only, drop off and pick up are not included. Additionally, during winter return times can vary due to weather conditions. Included All admissions to sites, museums or exhibitions visited are included, unless otherwise stated in tour description. Excluded Unless specifically listed, meals and refreshments are not included. During full day excursions there is a lunch stop at a local restaurant. Prices Tours and services are subject to currency fluctuation and conditions of cooperative contractors that may provide transportation and other services. Languages Guidance is in English. Some tours are additionally guided in German, French, Scandinavian & Spanish (summertime only). Clothing Sturdy shoes and a warm outdoor wear should be worn when traveling in Iceland during any season. Nature is the main attraction on many of the excursions and a short outdoor walk may be included to fully enjoy the tour. Food & beverages on board buses Kindly limit consumption of food to snack type foods (candy, chips, cookies etc.). Only beverages in covered containers are allowed on board. Liability Reykjavik Excursions reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. No liability is accepted for losses or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departure of flights or other services, injury, sickness, accident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, war or other causes outside the control of Reykjavik Excursions. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveller. Cancellation policy Reservations can be cancelled 24 hours prior to departure without penalty. Cancellations received less than 24 hours prior to departure will be charged full price. Discount for children Reykjavik Excursions offers special discount fares for children accompanied by adults. Discounts for children on tours co-operated by Reykjavik Excursions differ from one to another. Summer Autumn Winter Spring June - August September - October November - March April - May